The American Legion remains committed to educating and preparing future leaders about character, civic engagement and patriotism through this annual summer program
JUNE 18, 2019 (ALLENDALE, Mich.) – Delegates Miles W. Klapthor and Henry Branch were elected lieutenant governor and state supreme court justice of the model Michigan Boys State in the weeklong civic experience held at Grand Valley State University. Miles is a senior attending Community High School and Henry is a senior at Greenhills School. The American Legion Boys State program is a weeklong, hands-on experience that mirrors the structure and operation of state government. The program provides training in practical citizenship, leadership and character through a non-partisan lens. This is the 81st Michigan Boys State to take place. Students from across Michigan have participated in The American Legion Boys State program.
230 students attending from across Michigan have also elected Maxwell Klein of Grand Rapids as the Governor for the week and Conner Grant of Ludington as the Attorney General. Others attending have been elected and appointed to fill positions to run the mythical state, county and city government positions.
The program consists of classroom work, lectures and camaraderie, with student delegates taking on elected and appointed roles to learn firsthand how democracy works and legislation is passed.
The program aims to inspire students to follow in the footsteps of former delegates. The list of notable alums includes President Bill Clinton, athlete Michael Jordan, rock star Jon Bon Jovi, news personality Tom Brokaw, and former U.S. Peace Corps director Gaddi Vasquez, to name a few.
Complete details on the program can be found at MichiganBoysState.org.
About The American Legion
The American Legion is the largest wartime veterans service organization with nearly 2 million members in 12,875 posts in communities across America. Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.
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